Request for Proposal: Consulting Services for the Training and Implementation of Results Based Accountability Frameworks

[JUNTA]

Junta for Progressive Action (JUNTA) invites proposals for consulting services for the training and implementation of Results Based Accountability Frameworks for its current programs.  Proposals should be submitted to JUNTA by August 16, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. via mail to:     

           

 

Junta for Progressive Action

            ATTN: Latrina Kelly-James, Deputy Director

            169 Grand Ave

            New Haven, CT 06513

 

Or emailed to: [e-mail].

 

Introduction

Junta for Progressive Action (JUNTA) is a non-profit, community-based organization located in New Haven, CT.  Our mission is to provide services, programs and advocacy that improve the social, political and economic conditions of the Latino community in Greater New Haven while nurturing and promoting its cultural traditions as it builds bridges with other communities. JUNTA serves and advocates for all vulnerable populations including low-income, Latino and immigrant communities. The ultimate goal of our seven core programs involves improving all aspects of an individual and family's life so that they can experience economic, social, personal and collective success, while advocating for elimination of barriers to success.

           

JUNTA requests proposals for consulting services to train our program and senior staff to use Results Based Accountability and Evaluation within programs and across the organization.  Results Based Accountability and Evaluation (hereafter RBA) is a means of evaluating program outcomes by “approach[ing] a situation from a desired ends and working backwards toward the means of achieving them.”[1]  JUNTA hopes to train its program staff and senior staff to use RBA in planning outcomes for our population, evaluating their success, and implementing changes to programs and services as needed.  Proposals must be submitted by August 16, 2013, and the requirements for the proposal are explained in detail in the following sections.

                       

Description of the Project

JUNTA will better incorporate a universal evaluation method by providing formal evaluation training and implementation for program staff that can help them create better outcomes for their clients, community and the organization.  In the short-term, we intend to make program and budget planning more outcome-driven as a precursor to the new fiscal year, 2014.  This also serves our long-term goals as staff will be adequately prepared to address and anticipate the needs of the population and community, and present and analyze their programs with data-driven measurements and analysis.  Additionally, we anticipate that this training will result in improved long-term vision planning and implementation and a more transparent way for the community, Board of Directors and funders to view the organization’s work.

 

Description of Consulting Services Requested

            JUNTA seeks a consultant to conduct RBA training for program staff and senior staff.  The selected consulting firm would be responsible for training four program directors, two senior staff, and one member of the Board’s Program Committee.  We hope that this training will occur over two training sessions in which the consultant works with these members of staff to provide in depth familiarization of RBA, and guidance and technical assistance on implementing RBA within Junta’s specific programs, which may include generating an entire RBA planning model for each program.

            Once we have selected from the proposals received, we will meet with the contracted consultant to finalize a timeline for training.  We anticipate that all training and implementation of RBA will be conducted by the mid-October 2013.  The consultant will need to arrange two training sessions with JUNTA senior staff to be completed by that time. 

            In December 2013, the consultant will conduct a follow-up with the coordinating group to determine how well the staff is implementing the evaluation method.  In preparation for this follow-up, program staff will be asked to conduct brief evaluation of their programs and report to the coordinating committee.  The consultant will work with the coordinating committee to determine whether the program staff has successfully implemented RBA methods.  Thereafter, program staff will use the evaluation of their programs to create outcome measures for 2014 which will be used in planning for the next fiscal year.

            Within the proposal, we ask that the consultant present plans for training JUNTA’s program staff and senior staff in RBA methods over two training sessions.  We encourage proposals to include drafts of the daily schedule for the training session(s), including an explanation of what information will be delivered, what methods the consultant will use to deliver this information, and what the consultant’s overall objectives are for each training session.  Further, we ask for the consultant to provide plans for following-up with the coordinating group.  Specifically, consultants should propose the means of evaluating whether JUNTA staff has successfully adopted RBA methods.

 

Amount Budgeted

            JUNTA has budgeted $1,200 for this project. 

 

 

Qualifications

            We request that proposals include qualifications of the consultant(s) who will be working on the project and what makes them prepared to complete this assignment.  We seek consultants who are well versed in RBA and evaluation, training program staff, and nonprofit management.  Please also provide detailed resumes for each consultant who will be working on the project.

 

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

            A member of JUNTA’s program committee, the Deputy Director, and one program staff member will review the proposals to asses which consultant will be selected to provide RBA training and assistance.  This coordinating committee will evaluate the proposals based on relevant experience and qualifications of the consultant, the quality of the proposed training session plans and cost.  We hope to review all proposals and make a decision within two weeks of the final due date for submissions.

 

Directions for Submission

Please submit completed proposals to JUNTA by August 16, 2013. All proposals should include:

1. Name and contact information of consulting firm
2. Proposed plans for training sessions on RBA methods for JUNTA staff and designated Board member
3. Proposed plans for follow-up with JUNTA coordinating committee, evaluating the implementation of RBA methods
4. Relevant qualifications and resume of consultant(s)

 

Completed proposals can be mailed to:

           

            Junta for Progressive Action

            ATTN: Latrina Kelly-James, Deputy Director

            169 Grand Ave

            New Haven, CT 06513

 

Or emailed to: [e-mail].

 

For more information or clarification, contact Latrina Kelly-James, Deputy Director for Development and Programs, by calling 203-787-0191 ext. 16.

 

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[1] Robert M. Penna and William J. Phillips, Outcome Frameworks: An Overview for Practitioners, Rensselaerville, NY: Center for Outcomes, 2004, p. 79.